Botanical Name: Geranium Robertianum
Some other names: Red robin, Fox geranium, Dragons blood, Bloodwort
How to Grow It
Herb Robert is technically an annual herb to about 40 cm, but you’ll think of it as a perennial– it self‑seeds so prolifically that once you’ve got it, you’ll always have it. Its dainty green foliage and bright pink flowers are genuinely pretty, making it one of those herbs that looks as good in a flower bed as it does in a veggie patch.
It’s native to Europe and parts of Asia, but these days it pops up all over the world, happy in cool to subtropical climates. Herb Robert will handle full sun, but in the hottest months it really prefers partial shade and a steady supply of water.
It does well in pots but will happily spread into nearby soil as seeds scatter. Propagation is laughably easy – it mostly takes care of itself. If you do want to transplant it, just dig up a plant (roots and all) and keep it watered for the first week.
Be warned: in the right conditions, Herb Robert will try to take over – so be ready to give it a haircut or pull out excess seedlings if it gets too enthusiastic.
Herbal & Nutrient Value
Herb Robert is more than just a pretty weed. Its leaves contain vitamins A, B, and C plus calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron – all the good, basic building blocks for health.
But its real claim to fame is as a traditional immune tonic. It’s been used for centuries in folk medicine, and modern herbalists still rave about it for supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and even helping the body fight chronic illnesses. Some herbal sources talk about its use as a gentle detoxifier and even an anti-cancer ally – though, as with all herbal claims, it’s worth doing your own research.
Traditional & Home Remedies
Herb Robert Tea – Steep fresh or dried leaves in boiling water 10 min; used for digestion and general tonic.
Poultice for Wounds – Crushed fresh leaves applied to minor cuts and sores.
Nosebleed Stopper – Fresh leaves stuffed gently into the nostril to halt bleeding.
Skin Wash – Tea cooled and used as a wash for acne or eczema.
Using It in the Kitchen
Here’s the thing: Herb Robert isn’t about the flavour – it’s bland, which is actually a good thing. It means you can slip it into all sorts of foods without noticing it’s there.
The fresh leaves can be tossed into salads, sandwiches, or smoothies for a subtle nutrient boost. They can also be steeped for a mild tea – often combined with other herbs like mint or lemon balm to improve the taste.
Tradition suggests that eating just 4–5 leaves a day can help maintain your immune system – a survival habit that’s pretty easy to adopt when it’s growing all around you.
Simple recipe ideas:
– Daily Green Smoothie Boost – toss a handful of Herb Robert leaves into your morning smoothie.
– Immune Tea – steep 5–6 leaves with ginger and honey for a daily tonic.
– Garden Salad Mix – shred the leaves with rocket and lettuce for an invisible nutrient top-up.
– Herb Robert Vinegar – steep fresh leaves in apple cider vinegar for a mild herbal dressing base.
– Healing Herb Pesto – blend leaves with basil, garlic, and olive oil for a supercharged green pesto.
Other Uses
Herb Robert has a long history as a folk medicine plant, used not only for teas but also poultices for bruises and skin irritations. It’s loved by pollinators when left to flower and makes a surprisingly attractive ground cover in shady corners.
Why it’s a survival plant:
self-sowing, virtually maintenance-free, and medicinally valuable. Once you’ve introduced Herb Robert to your garden, you’ll have an endless, effortless supply of immune-supporting greens – whether you use them or not!
